The tragic death of a two-year-old child in Shirhama village, Handwara, on December 5 is yet another reminder of the escalating human-wildlife conflict in Kashmir. This incident, which was the 15th fatality since 2019 in the region, points to a broader crisis that has claimed 36 lives, injured 261 people and resulted in 10,303 wildlife-related incidents over the past three years. The data from 2022 to 2024 paints a stark picture. Between 2022 and 2023, the valley recorded 3,262 incidents of human-wildlife conflict, resulting in 15 deaths and 99 injuries. The North Division of Kashmir bore the heaviest burden, with 1,606 incidents and 10 fatalities. Meanwhile, regions like Shopian and the wetlands in the south reported varying levels of injuries, indicating that no part of the valley is immune to the crisis. Leopards are frequently sighted even in Srinagar city outskirts. The situation worsened in 2023-2024, with a sharp rise to 4,947 reported cases, resulting in 12 deaths and 83 injuries. The North Division once again emerged as the most affected, with 2,873 incidents and 8 fatalities, while the wetlands recorded two fatalities, reflecting a troubling trend in these ecologically fragile zones. By December 2024, the situation remains critical, with 2,094 reported cases leading to 9 deaths and 79 injuries, highlighting the persistent nature of this conflict. The underlying causes of this crisis are multifaceted, rooted in a combination of ecological, demographic, and administrative factors. The growing human population has led to widespread encroachment on animal habitats, forcing wildlife into closer proximity with human settlements. This is compounded by an increase in the stray dog population, which attracts predators like leopards to inhabited areas. Additionally, the tendency of certain species to adapt and breed near human settlements has further exacerbated the problem. These factors create a volatile environment where both humans and wildlife are at risk. As per media reports, the Wildlife Department, tasked with managing these conflicts, is apparently understaffed and lacks the necessary resources to address the growing challenges. Reports have mentioned incidents like the recent attack on a wildlife official in north Kashmir, where locals had to intervene to fend off a bear, highlight the department’s lack of preparedness and equipment. Similarly, the chaos witnessed during the tranquillization of a leopard in Shopian, which resulted in injuries to bystanders, underscores the urgent need for improved training and modern equipment. Experts and critics alike have emphasized the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to tackle this crisis. Key measures include increasing the staff capacity of the Wildlife Department, equipping personnel with modern safety gear, and establishing rapid response teams capable of handling emergencies effectively. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial to educate communities about coexistence strategies and preventive measures, reducing the likelihood of conflict. The growing human-wildlife conflict in Kashmir is not merely a conservation issue but a humanitarian one, threatening the lives and livelihoods of thousands. It calls for immediate and sustained investment in infrastructure, manpower and community engagement.